Top Ten Different Languages Spoken in Pakistan

Pakistan has a rich culture and many languages are spoken here by a diversified group of people. Language is a mode of communication through which people living in this world communicate with each other. The ancient languages were consisted mostly of symbols and gestures. With the passage of time, letter and alphabets got developed which gave rise to a lot of languages. Now thousands of languages are being spoken in various parts of the world including Pakistan. There are two official languages in Pakistan namely Urdu and English with various four main regional languages. The four languages that are spoken in the four provinces of Pakistan are Punjabi, Pashtu, Sindhi and Balochi. However, there are other regional languages also that are spoken in various areas of Pakistan. These languages include Kashmiri, Saraiki, Hindko and some others. It is important to note that the majority of population in Pakistan speaks regional or provincial languages other than Urdu. A list of the top ten languages spoken in Pakistan is given below:

1)      Punjabi Language spoken mostly in the province of Punjab

2)      Pashto Language frequently spoken in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa

3)      Sindhi Language predominantly spoken in Sindh province

4)      Seraiki Language mostly spoken in Punjab province

5)      Urdu Language frequently spoken all over Pakistan. Urdu is Pakistan’s national language.

6)      Balochi Language predominantly spoken in Balochistan province

7)      Hindko language spoken in hilly areas of Pakistan

8)      Kashmiri language spoken in Azad Kashmir and adjacent areas

9)      Brahui spoken in Southern suburbs of Pakistan

10)  Shina mostly spoken in Giglit-Baltistan

 

Rivers of Pakistan – The Neelum River

This river is located in the Kashmir region of both Pakistan and India and is also called the River Kishanganga in India. The river originates from the Indian side and enters Pakistan’s territory in the Gurais sector  of the line of control running westwards meeting River Jehlum in the north of Muzzafarabad. It was given the name Neelum either because of its sky blue color or due to the precious gem neelum( ruby) which is present in the area.

The beautiful valley of Neelum located in the Azad Kashmir at the bank of the river has captivating views. This valley can be entered through two routes; one by the Neelum road from Muzzafarabad and the other by Julkhan road from Kaghan.

It is a lush green and fertile valley about 250 kilometers long stretching its ways from the District of Muzzafarabad to Athmuqan and further to Taobutt.  Neelum has always had a great importance due to its attractiveness and fertility. Tourists come here every year especially in the summers to enjoy its forests, slop hills, waterfalls, greenery and pleasant weather. Many fruits grow in this area and they taste like heaven. The Azad Kashmir department of tourism has build many Guest houses in almost all the main areas. There are many hotels of good standard at the bank of River Neelum giving a reamrkable view of the river from every window.

In 2005 earthquake it was badly effected and most of its roads were damaged becoming inaccessible for the outside world. A new international standard road is under construction

Indian goverenment has been planning a power project at the Neelum river banks by diverting the water through the mountains to Bandipore joining the Wular lake and then River Jehlum. Pakistan claims it to be against the Indus waters treaty. Pakistan has also decided to build a hydro power project acroos Jehlum with the assistance of China.

Rivers of Pakistan – River Jehlum

Origin of River Jehlum	Basin of River Jehlum	Length of River Jehlum	River System
South Western Jammu and Kashmir	Pakistan and India	813 kilometers/ 505 miles	Indus River System

 

It is on the western end of all the five rivers of Punjab. It is a tributary of River Chenab and passes through the Jehlum district of Pakistan. It originates from a spring in the south western side of Jammu Kashmir. It flows through Srinagar and Lake Wular then enter Pakistan through a narrow gorge. River Neelam joins River Jehlum at Domel in Muzzafarabad and then the River Kunhar of Kaghan Valley.

The river also connects Pakistan with the Azad Kashmir at the Kohala Bridge which is east of circle Bakote. River Poonch joins it and then flowing through the district of Mirpur it flows into the Mangla dam. It enters the Jehlum district in Punjab Province flowing through the plains forming a boundary between Sindh Sagar Doabs and Chaj. It then joins River Chenab at Trimmu of Jhang district, which in turn joins River Sutlej forming the Panjnad by joining River Indus at Mithankot.

As a result of the Indus Basin Project few control structures are built to the waters of the Jehlum, namely:

1. Mangla dam: It was built in 1967 and is considered to be one of the largest earth fill dams of the world with storage capacity of about 5.9 million acre feet.
2. Trimmu Barrage: It was built in 1939 and located at the confluence with the River Chenab near the town of Mari Shah Sakhira. It has the capacity of discharging a maximum of 645,000 cubic feet/s i.e. 18,000 cubic meters/s.
3. Rasul Barrage: It was completed in 1967 and a flow of about 850,000 cubic feet/s i.e 24,000 cubic meters/s.
4. Harahpur Bridge: It is also called the Victoria Bridge and was constructed in 1933. The location is about 5 kilometers from Malakwal near the village of Chak Nizam. It is about a kilometers long and mainly used by the Pakistan Railways with a small passage for light vehicles as well.

Plateau of Pakistan – Potowar Plateau

This is also called Pothohar Plateau and is located in the Province of Punjab and the western portion of Azad Kashmir. It is an undulated area between River Indus and Jehlum with Hazara hills on the north and Salt range on the south. The area is badly eroded. The elevation ranges from 1000 to 2000 feet. The most important rivers of the area are the Soan and Harrow rivers. The Kala Chitta range rises to an average height of 450 to 900 meters and the highest mountain here is Sakesar.

The area has a history of Soanian culture which is related to the discovery of remains of the old archaeology, fossils, coins, and tools. Potawari language is spoken by the locals. River Jhelum is on the east and River Indus on the west of this plateau, Kala chitta range is on the north and Salt range is on the south. The average height of Kala chitta range is about 450-900 metres or 3000 ft extending for almost 72 kilometres or 45 miles. The highest mountain of the area is Sakesar.

The river Swaan originates from Murree ending near Kalabagh in the River Indus. There is a diverse wildlife in the area including chinkara, hare, mongoose, porcupine, urial, yellow throated marten and wild boar etc. They all add to the attraction of the region. Low rain fall has and deforestation to an extensive level has decreased the beauty of the area. There is also oil, gas and coal exploration projects going on in the valley. The under water area include the internationally famous Ramsar site called Jhallar and three beautiful lakes namely Ucchali, Khabeki and Kallar Kahar. They are tourist attraction points for many years.

The twin cities Rawalpindi and Islamabad sit on the Potowar Plateau. Rohtas Fort is located in Potawar which is another heritage site of UNESCO, which was built in 1541 by Sher Shah Suri.

Lakes of Pakistan – Shonter Lake

This is a small but very beautiful natural lake. It is located in the Neelum Valley of Azad Kashmir. It is also called the Jewel of Neelum because of its unique beauty and spectacular view.

The trek to the lake is a bit tough so is only recommended for regular trekkers. The Neelum Valley from  Kel divides into two sub valleys namely- Shonter valley and Graze Valley. From the Domail Bala ( Neelum Side) it takes around a day long climbing to reach to this lake. After this point there are very residents. You might find few summer huts of locals on the lake. The lake has a breathtaking beauty and is surrounded by mountains with mighty heights.

Horses can also be hired from Kel and now there is also a jeep route to reach the lake. The other beautiful sites nearby which you will visit on your way to the Shonter lake are the Shonter and the Kamri Pass.

Lakes of Pakistan – Banjosa Lake

Location	Surface Elevation
20 km from  Rawalakot, Azad Kashmir	1,981 m  6,499 ft

It is an artificial lake near Rawalakot in the District Pooch, Azad Kashmir. It is situated at an altitude of 1,981 meters. This small man made lake is a very famous tourists spot because of its beautiful view and spectacular gardens with colorful flowers and lovely trees.

It is easily accessible and the road to the lake is very convenient. If you are coming from Rawalpindi, it is a 2-3 hours drive. From Rawalpindi through Kahota you will reach Rawalkot. It is 65 kilometers from Rawalpindi to Rawalakot and then another 12 kilometers to the Banjosa lake. There is another route of Rawalpindi to Mangla and then towards Kotli to Rawalakot. The roads are well maintained and the way is full of natural scenery on every side.

The lake is small but very beautiful with mountains on the sides and lush green gardens full of plantations. It is well kept by the authorities and tourists find it very impressive. The reflection of the dense forests around the lake gives a captivating view. Near this lake there are many other tourists spots like Hussain kot 4 kilometers, Jandali 3 kilometers and Devi gali is 12 kilometers from the Banjosa lake. There is no point missing these places if you have time. The Rawalakot and Bagh have nice motels to stay while you enjoy these lovely spots.

Destiny of Kashmir – Pakistan or India?

1947 saw the first of many fights which the world witnessed between Pakistan and India, over Kashmir. Although more than 70% of the population of Kashmir is Muslims, the Raja of Jammu and Kashmir politically found it convenient to join hands with India on the time of partition. Muslim Kashmiris were too depressed on this act and rebelled. In a fit of desperation, Raja signed the accession treaty with India as Indian troops took over one part of Kashmir. Until this date, the other part of Kashmir belongs to Pakistan.

After the first war of 1947, the valley was divided into two parts. Pakistan had control over a thin strip of land encompassing Western Kashmir, Gilgit, and Baltistan. The rest of Kashmir came under the control of India. But the point was that the UN treaty had made it clear that the state was a disputed territory and neither of the countries could lay claims to it. This led to indecision and ill feelings between the two nations, a matter still unresolved 64 years later.

Is it not time all of us learn to make peace? That is all we could say. Democracy and the sorting out a problem through political discussions can lead us to prosperity, while incidents like the 1948, 1965, and the 1971 wars will only hinder the progress of both countries.